In 2024, voters wishing to fulfil their civic rights will have to leave Touba to do so. The Khalifa General of the Mourides has decided to do so. Serigne Mountakha Mbacké has ordered the Baye Fall to implement the decision.

Orthodoxy will be respected in Touba. The Khalifa General of the Mourids is not in a negotiating mood. Big problems require big solutions. This is Serigne Mountakha Mbacké’s approach. The Guide of the Mourides has quite simply banned all political activity in the religious city. And to put his decision into practice, the 8th Khalifa of Bamba has ordered the Baye Fall to relocate all the polling stations in the Touba area. This decision follows the recent disturbances in the religious city. Known for its legendary calm, the holy city of Touba was recently rocked by a wave of demonstrations following the sentencing of Ousmane to two years in prison for corrupting young people.

Read the column: After the Demonstrations, the Ultra-Banditry Syndrome Brews in Senegal

It took an intervention, broadcast by the Touba mosque to call the demonstrators to calm. The Baye Fall were then instructed to maintain order.

This relocation of polling stations in Touba can be interpreted as a desire to maintain its equidistance from the political players. In this respect, Touba seems jealous in more ways than one of retaining its authority. For example, the Head of State himself travelled to the holy city to speak with Serigne Mountakha Mbacké behind closed doors about the situation in the country.

Violent Riots: Weapons of Evil

Although nothing filtered from the meeting, it is pleasing to see that things calmed down immediately afterwards. Is this a happy coincidence with the tête-à-tête between Macky Sall and the Khalife? In any case, it’s beneficial for Senegal.

By Malick GAYE / mgaye@lequotidien.sn

  • Translation by Ndey T. SOSSEH